How to use London buses without holding up the queue

A London bus is easy once you know the one detail that surprises many visitors: you tap when you board, but you do not tap when you leave. Everything else is mostly a matter of watching the stop display and giving yourself time.

The short version: London buses do not accept cash. Board at the front unless signs tell you otherwise, touch one contactless card, phone or Oyster card on the yellow reader, then sit down. Press a red stop button after your stop is announced. Do not touch out.

Paying for one journey

TfL's current adult pay-as-you-go bus fare is £1.75. Use a contactless bank card, a phone or watch wallet, or an Oyster card. One payment card cannot pay for two adults travelling together; each passenger needs their own method.

Keep the payment method consistent. Tapping once with a physical card and later with the same card in a phone wallet makes TfL see two separate cards, so the journeys will not share a cap.

Changing buses within an hour

The Hopper fare allows unlimited bus and tram journeys within one hour of the first touch, provided you use the same card or device. You still tap on every new bus. The reader recognises the eligible transfer instead of charging another full fare.

TfL currently lists a £5.25 daily bus-and-tram cap and a £24.70 Monday-to-Sunday cap. These are publication-day figures, not permanent promises; check the official fare page if your trip is later.

Getting on and off

At a request stop, put out your arm early enough for the driver to see you. Let passengers leave, board, and tap the yellow reader. Move away from the doors once you are safely on board.

Inside, the display and announcements show the next stop. Press any red stop button once when your stop is next; a 'bus stopping' sign should appear. You do not need to press repeatedly. Take care on the stairs and avoid rushing down while the bus is moving.

If your payment is refused

Try the card once more without taking several cards out at the reader. If it still fails, use a different valid contactless method or Oyster card and check the first card with its issuer later. A phone with an empty battery cannot prove payment, so keep enough charge for the whole journey if the phone is your ticket.

If an inspector asks, present the exact card or device used to board. That is another reason not to swap casually between a watch, phone and physical card. Never hand a stranger your bank card for them to 'help' at the reader.

Travelling with bags, children or a buggy

Keep the wheelchair area clear and follow the driver's instructions when space is limited. Fold luggage so that it does not block the aisle or doors. Sit before the bus moves when possible, and come downstairs before your stop only when it is safe.

A bus can be step-free at the vehicle but still leave you on a crowded or uneven pavement. If accessibility is essential, check TfL's current guidance and allow a backup route.

Choosing a route

TfL's journey planner is the source to use for diversions and live disruption. A mapping app is helpful, but temporary road closures can move a stop around the corner. Read the yellow notice at a closed stop and match the route number, direction and destination on the front of the bus.

A bus is often slower than the Tube for a long cross-city trip, yet much more useful for short journeys, step-free boarding and seeing how neighbourhoods connect. Leave extra time at rush hour and enjoy the top deck when you are not in a hurry.